Cortez Audubon Christmas Bird Count coming up Dec.26

It's time for the Cortez Audubon Christmas Bird Count again, which will be held this year on Wednesday, Dec. 26. Participants should meet at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St.

Routes will be handed out starting at that time on a first-come, first-served basis. The Christmas Bird Count is an Audubon-sanctioned event and used to help compile data. Dress according to the weather and bring snacks, drinks, lunch, etc., as well as binoculars or scopes, pens or pencils, and birding guides. Cameras are nice to have, too, especially if a rare species is sighted. A clipboard will also be useful to hold papers.

The count is open to all birders - from beginners to experts. Beginners can go with a more experienced birder. Participants can bird for as many hours as they want - from several hours to all day.

Participants receive the annual summary, and in lieu of the $5 participant fee, Audubon is asking for voluntary donations. Folks can go to the secure online Christmas Bird Count donation link at https://give.audubon.org:557/giving/Page/62/1/62 to donate.